PEI Seniors Guide
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Emergency Numbers Emergency numbers that you can call toll-free: 911 - The 911 System links callers to emergency service providers: • ambulance • fire department • police • poison control centre A 911 emergency is when your health, safety or property is threatened and you need immediate assistance. When you call 911 you will be asked for your Civic Address. If you are calling from a cell phone, you will need to describe your location. In PEI, each property with a building on it has a Civic Address so the 911 system can locate you quickly. It can be your street address or the number on your 911 sign plus the name of your road. Phone: 911 Other toll-free emergency numbers: Anderson House - emergency shelter for women and children who are being abused or at risk of abuse Toll-free: 1-800-240-9894 Lennox Island Women’s Shelter Phone: 902-831-2332 Crime Stoppers - report information about a crime Toll-free: 1-800-222-8477 Air and Marine Emergencies Toll-free: 1-800-565-1582 Environment - report oil, pesticide, chemical spills, marine stranded mammals, illegal fishing activities, etc. Toll-free: 1-800-565-1633 Poison Control - for information about poison, or something you suspect might be a poison Toll-free: 1-800-565-8161 i Message from the Minister Honourable Doug Currie Minister of Social Services and Seniors Minister of Health Seniors are the fastest growing population in Prince Edward Island. Right now, 14.9 per cent of our residents are 65 years of age or older. By 2020, it is expected that 21 per cent of Islanders will be at least 65 years-old and by 2031, the number of seniors is expected to double to 28 per cent of our population. The demographic and social changes that are beginning now in Prince Edward Island will forever alter how our communities look and function. The good news is seniors are living longer and are move active and healthier than ever before. The challenge is how best to plan and respond to the needs and opportunities that will arise because of the aging of our population. One clearly expressed need of the seniors community has been the wish for more information on government programs and services for seniors. On behalf of my government colleagues and members of the Seniors’ Secretariat, I am most pleased to introduce the new Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Guide. I hope that you find it easy-to use and helpful. I also invite you to call our new toll-free Seniors’ Line, 1-866-770-0588, and talk with staff of the Seniors’ Secretariat who can provide information and direction on government programs and services for seniors. Yours sincerely, ii Message from the Seniors’ Secretariat Anna Duffy Chair Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Secretariat Steering Committee The Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Secretariat was established by the provincial government in 2005 to develop and support plans, policy and programs that will improve the quality of life of seniors. The Seniors’ Secretariat is also responsible for developing and supporting public education efforts for seniors and about seniors’ issues. The steering committee of the Seniors’ Secretariat includes members who represent provincial government and seniors’ organizations. The committee is co- chaired by the Minister of Social Services and Seniors and a community member. At regular meetings, we share information, discuss issues and make recommendations to the Minister and government on policies, programs, legislation and directions of importance to seniors. The Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Guide is one of the ways the Seniors’ Secretariat is fulfilling a commitment to seniors, their families, caregivers and health care providers to improve access to information about programs and services. We hope that this guide will prove helpful in connecting you to the many government and community resources available to Prince Edward Island seniors. Seniors’ organizations and service providers played a key role in providing input to the Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Guide. On behalf of the Seniors’ Secretariat, many thanks to members of the advisory committee and other seniors for the hours you spent reviewing and editing the guide. Regards, iii About this Guide The Prince Edward Island Seniors’ Guide includes information about programs and services provided to seniors by the federal and provincial governments, community organizations and service providers. This guide provides a general introduction to programs and services, as well as contact information. We organized the guide into seven chapters and an appendix. For information about a program, check the table of contents at the front for the general area and then look at the detailed chapter contents. To find a specific program or service look at the index in the back. Some contact information includes an Email address and website. If you are unfamiliar with voice mail, Email or internet websites please review the tips in the Appendix. Visit our website www.gov.pe.ca/sss Seniors toll-free line 1-866-770-0588 iv About this Guide We welcome your comments on how to improve this guide and make it more useful. For additional copies of this guide, or to give comments, please contact the Seniors’ Secretariat: Seniors’ Secretariat Department of Social Services and Seniors 11 Kent Street, 2nd Floor Jones Building PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8 Phone: 902-569-0588 Toll-free: 1-866-770-0588 Fax: 902-894-0242 Email: [email protected] Please note: Whenever possible, this guide identifies a central information source that can direct you to the appropriate organization or regional office in your area. Sometimes the number listed is for the volunteer who provides the service. In some cases, you will be referred to the Blue or Yellow Pages in the phone book that list the information. However, be aware that contact information that is accurate at the date of printing, may change over time. Disclaimer Since programs and services change, readers are reminded that this booklet is published solely as a convenience and guide. Specific details should be obtained directly from sources listed. The Seniors’ Secretariat accepts no responsibility for events or actions caused by or resulting from the contents of this guide. v Table of Contents Chapter I – Active Living 55 + Games .......................................................2 Congratulatory Messages .............................................2 Fishing and Hunting ................................................3 Newcomers .......................................................4 Organized Activities and Clubs for Seniors ..............................5 Seniors’ Organizations..............................................11 Trails, Boardwalks and Parks ........................................14 Chapter 2 – Finances Credit Counselling .................................................16 Drug Cost Assistance Program .......................................16 Financial Assistance Program........................................19 Income Tax ......................................................19 Pension and Benefits...............................................20 Property Tax Deferral Program.......................................22 Support for Seniors With a Disability ..................................23 Veterans Affairs Canada ............................................23 Chapter 3 – Health Services Provided by Government Addiction Services.................................................26 Adult Protection Program ...........................................27 Day Programs for Seniors...........................................28 Diabetes Program..................................................28 Family Health Centers..............................................29 Finding a Family Doctor............................................30 Geriatric Program .................................................30 Health Card for Medicare Coverage...................................30 Home Care Services................................................31 Hospital Services..................................................33 Mental Health Services .............................................33 vii Table of Contents Chapter 3 – Health Services Provided by Government (continued) Palliative Care ....................................................34 Respite, Short Term and Convalescent Care .............................35 Provided by Others After Hours Doctors’ Clinics.........................................36 Community Organizations...........................................37 Counselling Services ...............................................40 Foot Care Clinics..................................................41 Home Equipment Loan .............................................42 Meal Delivery and Nutrition .........................................43 Private Home Care Services .........................................44 Chapter 4 – Housing Community Care Facilities ..........................................48 Landlord and Tenant Information.....................................50 Home Improvement Grants and Loans.................................50 Nursing Homes ...................................................51 Seniors’ Emergency Home Repair Program.............................52 Subsidized Seniors’ Housing.........................................53 Chapter 5 – Life-long Learning Community School ................................................56 Community Access Sites............................................56 Elderhostel.......................................................56 Genealogy